Vienna is a real city of culture and it has given the world some of its greatest artists and thinkers. It has many impressive palaces, churches, theaters and museums but it is also a lively city with plenty of restaurants (and more than 15 Michelin Star-rated restaurants), bars and outdoor festivals in the summer months.
There are few cities in the world that can boast the musical legacy that Vienna can. Mozart, Beethoven and both Johann Strauss senior and junior lived and worked in the city. Their music is still alive through the city’s many orchestras, musicians and singers.
With many classical concerts, and Viennese balls taking place inside 19th-century palaces, you’ll surely be able to feel the essence of the music that Mozart, Beethoven, and other great classical composers once played in “The City of Music”.
Just outside the city, you can find ancient villages, traditional Austrian towns and breathtaking alpine scenery. It would be hard to visit Vienna and not be overawed by how grand it all is. Here are some things to do in Vienna.
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1 – Live out your royal fantasies at Schönbrunn Palace & Gardens
Schönbrunn Palace has to be the first stop for anyone visiting the city and one of the best things to do in Vienna. The palace gets its name from a spring that was found on the site by Emperor Matthias in 1612. The original building was a hunting lodge that grew over time to be the huge Baroque-style palace we see today.
Schönbrunn Palace is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country. The house and its gardens are a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Walk in the footsteps of Mozart … One of the most special experiences to enjoy at the former royal summer residence is classical music concerts at Schönbrunn Palace, performed daily inside the iconic Palace Orangery.
Read more about Schönbrunn Palace tickets price.
2 – See genuine masterpieces at Kunsthistorisches Museum
The Kunsthistoriches is Vienna’s Historic Art Museum. The museum has works and masterpieces by some of the best known European artists such as Rubens, Rembrandt, Raphael, Titian and Durer.
The building is located on Maria-Theresien-Platz opposite the Natural History Museum in near-identical buildings. It has an extensive collection of ancient art including Egyptian objects, carvings and even mummified remains. In the stairwell, you can see frescoes by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt.
3 – Take a spin on the 126-year-old Wiener Riesenrad at The Prater
The Wiener Riesenrad is Vienna’s antique, giant Ferris Wheel and is an iconic landmark on the city skyline. Everyone who travels here should take a spin on it and grab some of the best views of the city.
It is at the entrance to the city’s famous amusement park, The Prater, which was donated to the people in 1766. You will find plenty of fun ways to pass the afternoon here if you like rides, arcades, ghost trains and games!
4 – See the sights in the Historic Center of Vienna
The historic center of Vienna known as Innere Stadt, or inner city, is the area of the city within the area’s grand ring road, the Ringstrasse. Here you can find lively restaurants and cafes, museums and galleries.
You can visit major landmarks including St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg palace or shop on the pedestrianized Kårtner Strasse. The Historic center is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its magnificent architecture and skyline.
5 – See dinosaur skeletons at the Natural History Museum
Vienna Natural History Museum is considered one of the best in the world. Its impressive collection of artifacts, which includes dinosaur skeletons and ancient meteorites are housed in an equally impressive building.
The museum covers the history of life on Earth and even the planet itself and has a digital planetarium that shows a range of nature-related movies. This is one of the best attractions in Vienna.
6 – Telepathically communicate with the famous stallions at the Spanish Riding School
The Spanish Riding School upholds the dressage traditions of horse riding and the training of its famous Lippizaner horses. Visit the stables and Winter Riding School with its traditional architecture and grand views over the historic city.
For a relaxed equestrian experience, why not try a traditional “Lohnkutchen” horse-drawn carriage ride around the city? Visitors can even enjoy a selection of food and drinks while touring the sights.
7 – See Picasso’s ‘Woman in a Green Hat’ on the walls of the Albertina Museum
As well as being a museum of fine art, The Albertina is also home to one of the most extensive print houses in the world. It has more than 65,000 drawings and over a million prints of old masterpieces.
The Museum itself is a great place to go see exhibitions of prints, drawings and photography. It has a permanent exhibition of modernist art in Austria covering Monet-Picasso. There are also grand historic rooms and apartments to visit within the building.
8 – Like a scene out of a fairytale, be balled over by the Hofburg Imperial Palace
Hofburg Palace has been the seat of power in the country since the 13th-century. It previously was the residence of the powerful Habsburg Dynasty who ruled Austria from the 15th-century. The Palace is now the home of the President of Austria.
You can visit the country’s impressive collection of Crown Jewels in the ancient Swiss Wing of the palace. Volksgarten park is a part of the palace grounds and has some interesting buildings including a smaller replica of the Temple of Hephaestus, the original of which is located in Athens.
9 – See over 1,000 treasures like the Royal Roman Crown at Kaiserliche Schatzkammer Wien
Located in the Hofburg Palace, the Imperial Treasury is a fascinating place to visit as it hosts some of the country’s most valuable possessions. It has royal and religious collections including crowns, jewelry, clothing and one of the world’s largest emeralds.
Amongst the objects, you can find a very old narwhal tooth which was thought to be a unicorn’s horn and declared an heirloom of the Habsburg’s.
10 – Flitter among hundreds of butterflies at Schmetterlinghaus (butterfly house)
At the Schmetterlinghaus you can step out of the busy city for a while and find yourself in a peaceful and calm oasis. The Schmetterlinghaus is an enclosed garden that is home to tropical plants and 400 live butterflies.
This most colorful of living museums is a great place to unwind and observe the gentle butterflies. The Schmetterlinghaus is located about 200 meters from the Opera House in the Burggarten palace gardens.
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Experience a live concert by candlelight in Vienna
Catch live performances on piano, violin and cello of classical music and tributes to your favorite modern bands and musicians, from Queen to the Beatles and Taylor Swift to Imagine Dragons. Candlelight concerts take place in scenic venues across the city that don’t typically host concerts and events for an unforgettable backdrop to live renditions of your favorite tunes.
11 – Visit the world’s oldest zoo at Tiergarten Schoenbrunn
The Vienna Zoo was established in 1752 and is the world’s oldest zoo that is still in operation. It is home to 8,500 animals from more than 700 species. Visitors can view giraffes from a raised gallery, see orangutans and Koalas, Siberian tigers and African elephants.
The most visited creatures in the zoo are its pair of Giant pandas named Yang yang and Yuan Yuan. The zoo’s architecture has a unique old-fashioned appearance which adds to the atmosphere of the place.
12 – Visit local markets or try dishes like Wurstgulasch on a food tour
Are you curious about Viennese food? Most people have heard of schnitzel, which is the Austrian national dish, but don’t know much more about the country’s cuisine.
A food tour is a great way to learn about Vienna’s most popular delicacies. Venture into the city with a local guide to show you the way. Sample traditional starters, main courses and desserts at the best local eateries.
13 – See the Gustav Klimt collection at Belvedere Palace
Vienna’s Belvedere Palace is actually two large palaces, The Upper Belvedere and The Lower Belvedere and also includes extensive gardens. It was built by Prince Eugene in the early 1700s for use as a summer palace.
It now holds a huge collection of Austrian art from the middle-ages to the current era. Some of the most paintings are by Gustav Klimt including his famous works The Kiss and Judith.
14 – Explore more in less time on a segway tour
See the city in a fun and unique way on a segway tour. No experience is necessary, segway is an easy way to travel for everyone. You will be given a short lesson on riding the segway then hit the city streets.
Take a guided tour of the city passing all the major landmarks like the City Hall, Opera House and Hofburg Palace. A segway tour is a fun thing to do in Vienna.
15 – Visit the turtles at Haus des Meeres – Aqua Terra Zoo
Haus des Meeres is a city center aquarium and zoo which is home to 10 thousand aquatic lifeforms. Visitors can see sharks, turtles and many fish as well as reptiles and monkeys spread out over 9 floors.
Haus des Meeres is unique in the fact that it is located in a World War II flak Tower. It has a restaurant, observation deck and wartime museum in addition to the zoo and aquarium.
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Save on the city exploring with Vienna Passes
If you’ve got more sites to see in Vienna on your Bucket List than you can count, Vienna Passes are the way to go — and save! What’s the deal? Granting automatic access to any of the 50+ attractions and tours included in the pass, a total saving of up to 50% is calculated into the overall price, plus, there’s nothing better than skipping ticket queues.
Opt for an All-Inclusive Pass valid for one day only, or the Explorer Pass is for two city attractions, but this is valid for up to 60 days (perfect if you’re on a Euro tour).
16 – See the birthplace of Mozart on a Salzburg day trip
Salzburg is a historic city on the Austrian-German border. Its picturesque alpine setting and ancient buildings make it one of the best day trips from Vienna. It was the hometown of Mozart and visitors can see his birthplace and family home.
Salzburg is also the setting of the Sound of Music and you can take a guided tour around the most famous sites from the movie which includes the gardens of Mirabell Palace. Salzburg is a must-see for music lovers.
Hot tip: Check out our complete list of things to do in Salzburg.
17 – Admire the views from the Gothic tower of St. Stephen’s Cathedral
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the main church of Vienna and is an icon of the city. It was built in the 12th century and has an unusual roof with tiles arranged into the pattern of a double-headed eagle. Inside you can find many elaborate features like the stone pulpit and the 15th-century St. Catherine’s Chapel.
You can take a guided tour which allows you to climb the tower, or “Steffl”, for a great view of the city. It also gives unique access to the cathedral’s catacombs, crypts and tombs.
18 – Only pay once and use a hop-on hop-off bus for sightseeing in Vienna the entire day
A hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a great way to explore the city and visit the main landmarks and attractions. Listen to the audio guide as you cruise through the city streets on one of the many city buses.
See the Vienna State Opera, Albertina, Natural History Museum and Schonbrunn Palace. Get on and off as many times as you like during the validity of the ticket. Tickets can be purchased for one to six-day durations.
19 – Take a grand tour of the Esterházy Palace
Visit the family home of the Esterházy dynasty for over 300 years, absorb the ornate beauty, browse the private art collections, and learn about what life was like to live in an estate such as this late 13th-century palace.
Built originally from a medieval castle, with moats and grandeur, the castle originally belonged to previous owners including King Louis.
Make sure to book a tour that will take you through the Palace Chapel, to the Haydn Concert Hall, as you learn about the story of its residents.
20 – Check out art (for free) inside Stadtpark
Vienna’s City Park is a great place to take a picnic and sit and watch the people pass. The park is divided by the Wienfluss river and has a lake and numerous Art Nouveau and contemporary sculptures.
One of the most famous monuments is a gilded statue of the composer Johann Strauss II who is one of the cities most celebrated sons.
21 – Museophiles fall in love with over 50 at Museumsquartier
Museumsquartier is a huge space in Vienna devoted to arts and culture. It offers a venue for fine art, architecture and music as well as fashion, dance, theater, photography and street art. You can find almost all creative disciplines represented here.
The Museumsquartier encompasses over 60 institutions as well as studios and residences for artists. Among the institutions, there’s the Leopold Museum and the Modern Art Museum. It is a lively and inspiring place to visit and those with children will find plenty of interactive exhibits and workshops to get involved in.
Spot works by your favorite contemporary artists at Kunsthalle, particularly international creatives utilizing social and political contexts as subject matter. Offering multiple types of tours, the guided Curator’s Tour is one of the most special.
Are you obsessed with geometry and lines? Introducing the Austrian Museum of Architecture: the Architekturzentrum Wien. Exhibitions are relative to 20th and 21st-century architectural materials in Austria, and among its permanent collections, highlights are the Friedrich Achleitner and the Margherita Spiluttini Photo Archives.
22 – See the city like a local on a bike tour
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly way to see the city or just like to explore under your own steam, why not take one of the many bike tours? Take a long tour of the city and hit up all the major sites like the Imperial Palace, Austrian Parliament, Burgtheater and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Follow the Donau canal on the cities extensive bike paths past Urania Observatory and through the Stadtpark past the majestic Karlskirche church.
23 – Immerse yourself in Vienna’s past with Time Travel
Step back in time with Time Travel Vienna, a unique multimedia experience that takes you on a journey through 400 years of Vienna’s history.
From the ancient Roman camp of Vindobona to present-day Vienna, you’ll witness World War II, meet the imperial family and fly over the roofs of Vienna.
With the latest entertainment technology, including 5D cinema and virtual reality experiences, it’s a thrilling adventure for the whole family.
24 – Learn about medieval life at the Jewish Museum Vienna
Vienna’s Jewish Museum tells the history of the city’s Jewish population from medieval times to the present day. Learn about the city’s rich Jewish history, customs and traditions in a series of permanent and temporary exhibitions.
See the foundations of an ancient synagogue on the site and see a 3D animation about Jewish life in Medieval Vienna. Learn how Vienna’s Jewish community rebuilt itself in the post-war years.
25 – Photograph one of the tallest churches in the world, Stock-im-Eisen at Stephansplatz
Stephensplatz is the central Square of Vienna and is named after the imposing St. Stephen’s Cathedral which takes center stage in the square. Around Stephensplatz you can find upmarket stores and the ancient street and marketplace Graben which is still in use today.
The Stock-im-Eisen, or staff in iron, is a local landmark near Stephansplats with mythical status. It is a section of a tree trunk with hundreds of nails hammered into it dating back to the 15th century.
26 – Meet the real Empress at the Sisi Museum
The Sisi Museum takes a deeper look at Vienna’s enigmatic Empress Elisabeth wife of Emperor Franz Joseph. The exhibit takes a sensitive look at the life of the Empress and try’s to define who was the woman behind the fairytale exterior.
With a collection of personal items such as clothes, jewelry, letters and replicas of some of her famous dresses, this is a must for all Sisi fans.
27 – Travel to a new country in one day: Budapest
If you are visiting Vienna for a longer stay why not take a day-long excursion to Budapest? The picturesque Hungarian capital has a lot of historical sites to see as well as restaurants, shops and cafes to explore.
See the famous Buda Castle, home to generations of Hungarian kings, St. Stephen’s Basilica and Fisherman’s Bastion with its beautiful views over the River Danube. A guided tour ensures that you won’t miss the best of this fascinating city.
28 – Get up close and personal with the Danube during boat cruises
Inspiring composers, artists and musicians, boat cruises along the Danube River are second to none. In Vienna, Europe’s second longest river is split into four channels, and boating on the Danube Channel is very popular.
If boating is your middle name, enjoy a full-day cruise from Vienna to Dürnstein and Wachau on the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth II, all meals included for the ten-hour venture.
Set sail on an evening dinner cruise onboard the Dream Ship, relishing in a three-course meal under the stars. Some expeditions are accompanied by classic Viennese wine tavern songs.
29 – Touch the same walls as the famous composer at Mozarthaus
Music lovers and especially fans of classical music won’t want to miss the Mozarthaus museum. The Museum is located in the Vienna apartment where the composer lived from 1784 to 1787.
The museum focuses on the fruitful “Vienna years” of Mozart’s life in which he composed Le Nozze di Figaro. It contains documents, pictures and items related to the life of one of the world’s greatest composers.
30 – Cool off at Bohemian Prater
The Bohemian Prater is a small amusement park on the edge of Vienna. Its history extends back to 1882 and some of its attractions are over 100 years old. It has traditional rides many of which are specifically aimed at younger children.
The Bohemian Prater has a bunch of water rides that are great for those sunny days as well as a vintage carousel and historic roller-coaster.
31 – Get the best views of the city at the Donauturm
The Donauturm, or Danube Tower, is Austria’s tallest landmark at 252 meters tall. It opened in 1964 and though it hosts cell phone and radio masts, its primary use is an observation tower.
Visitors can ride the high-speed elevators to the observation decks to see impressive 360° views of the Vienna skyline. A revolving cafe and a restaurant can also be found on different levels of the tower.
32 – Make your own bars and enjoy chocolate tastings at the Chocolate Museum Vienna
Feel like one of the golden ticket winners to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory at the Chocolate Museum Vienna, with plenty of chocolate tastings and sweet workshops that go down a real treat!
Become a chocolatier for the day during a classic workshop, creating three of your own bars and learning about the different types of chocolate. Make 24 fanciful Viennese-style pralines during a praline workshop, or craft a Mozart Kugel (a chocolate-coated marzipan ball filled with nougat).
From the gigantic choccie statues to mirrors shaped as cacao pods to the black and white checkered floors, the shop interiors add all the fun.
33 – Visit Vienna’s first green museum at Kunst Haus Wien
Kunst Haus Wien is a museum and exhibition venue designed by influential Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The building is as much an art object as the works it holds and its distinctive wavy contours and painstaking mosaics are somewhat at odds with the city around it.
The Museum is dedicated to the works of the Hundertwasser and also displays exhibits of 20th and 21st-century photography exhibitions. It is also the city’s first green museum and focuses on sustainability in its operations.
34 – See the vistas of Melk Abbey & the Danube Valley on a day trip
Melk Abbey stands overlooking the beautiful Wachau Valley. The current Baroque abbey is built on a much older site that has been in use since the 13th century. As well as its attractive design the abbey houses numerous medieval manuscripts and decorative frescos.
Take a scenic bus and river cruise through the picturesque Wachau and Danube Valleys and into the wine-growing region of Wachau. See this land of ancient castles, villages and vineyards.
35 – Slide into ball pits at Family Fun
Family Fun is a large playground with indoor and outdoor areas for children of all ages. It has separate areas to play, jump, run and climb for older children and safe fun spaces for very small children to play.
A whole bunch of inflatables, trampolines, slides and play equipment is sure to keep the young ones happy as well as go-karts and games that even grown-ups can enjoy.
36 – Take a boat ride to Bratislava on a day trip
A day trip to Bratislava offers a great excuse to see more of the major European cities. The Slovakian capital sits between the borders of Austria and Hungary. The rolling hills and ancient vineyards of the surrounding area and its 18th-century architecture give it a historic but contemporary feel.
Bratislava is on the River Danube and a short boat trip from Vienna. Travel the slow way to really get a feel for the country. When in Bratislava, the ancient ruins of Devín Castle are a must-see.
Hot tip: Check out our list of things to do in Bratislava.
37 – See a whole day in 24 minutes at Miniatur Tirolerland
Miniatur Tirolerland is more than an amusement park, it’s a miniature world! Tirolerland has highly detailed models of trains, cars and attractions all in miniature format. Visitors can see a whole 24 hour day reenacted in miniature every 24 minutes.
Thousands of LED lights create dawn, daytime and dusk, which intrigues you to watch and explore as the miniature world comes alive around you. A visit to Minatur Tirolerland is a really fun thing to do in Vienna.
38 – From the first-ever locomotives to bicycles to automobiles, explore the Technical Museum Vienna
Also known as the Technisches Museum Wien, the Vienna Museum of Science and Technology is dedicated to all tech-driven and science-savvy exploits and developments of Austria, chronicling these over the last decades.
The all-white crisp spaces suit the museum’s objectives, and real-time items and objects are displayed categorically. These are a mix of historical commodities from centuries ago to innovative modern technologies.
Its permanent collections include ‘Everyday life & society,’ ‘Natural sciences & energy,’ ‘Transportation & mobility,’ ‘Information & communication’ and ‘Production technology.’
39 – Visit the historic Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)
Zentralfriedhof is not actually in the city center, rather it received its name because it is the most used cemetery in Vienna. It is actually the second largest cemetery in Europe by capacity. It is a resting place for over 2.5 million people, including some very famous local residents.
Four of the world’s most beloved composers are buried here, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss and Brahms. Surprisingly, Zentralfriedhof is not actually that old and it first opened in 1874.
40 – Walk through famous grave sites inside the historic Central Cemetery (Zentralfriedhof)
The Austrian National Library State Hall is not just any old library. The building is renowned for its impressive size and decoration as well as the works it holds. The State Hall is a grand building that was part of the Court Library.
It is nearly 80 meters long and 20 meters high with ornate frescos and decorations including four Venetian globes. The library has over 200,000 books and also puts on regular exhibitions.
41 – Where nothing is ever as it seems, visit the Museum of Illusions Vienna
Bring your camera (or fully charged mobile) and fool not just your own mind’s eye but your friends back home when you step inside the Museum of Illusions Vienna.
Over 15 attractions, or entire rooms, are set up inside, each themed differently and designed in such a way as to create optical illusions.
Walk up the side of a bedroom wall, serve your friend’s head on a dinner platter, see your face multiplied by ten and imagine life as a giant!
The Vortex Tunnel, Upside Down Room, Bottomless Pit, Kaleidoscope, Infinity Room and the Chair Illusion are a few examples of the features to discover inside.
42 – Visit the Wachau Valley for wine tasting
The Wachau and Danube Valleys are the places to visit for wine tasting in Austria. The fertile valleys are home to steep vineyards which produce some of the country’s finest dry white wines.
There are numerous guided tours offered through the Wachau Valley region. Take in the scenic landscape of rolling hills, medieval villages and the majestic River Danube before stopping for lunch and tasting the best local wines.
43 – See the unique design of Hundertwasserhaus
Hundertwasserhaus is an apartment block in the Landstrasse district of Vienna which was designed by famed local artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The creator’s style is highly unique and features a prominent lack of straight lines, varied window sizes and wall textures.
In 1979, he was invited by the Mayor of Vienna to create a housing block based on his unique ideas. He submitted the design free of charge and it was built in 1983. Hundertwasserhaus features innovative ecological elements like a grassed living roof and is home to 250 trees and bushes.
44 – View the Astronomical Clock on a Prague day trip
When you’ve seen all there is to see in Vienna why not take a day trip to Prague. The Czech capital is another gem of a European city within a few hour’s drive of Vienna. This ancient city was the center of the Kingdom of Bohemia and it has buildings that date back thousands of years.
One of the most fun things to do in Prague is to visit the Old Town Hall and see the astronomical clock which was installed in 1410. It has been in almost continuous use since then and is thought to be the world’s oldest operating clock.
45 – Learn about the empire at Heeresgeschichtliches Museum
The Austrian Museum of Military History blends together technology, art, architecture and natural science to cover the country and its empire’s military history. Housed in the 19th-Century armory buildings, the exhibits show weapons, armored vehicles, planes, uniforms, battleships and historical photographs.
The museum covers the eras of the Habsburg Dynasty from the 1500s to the fall of the empire in 1945. This is a great place to visit for lovers of history.
46 – See the city from above on a helicopter tour
What better way to see the whole city than on a helicopter tour. Grab aerial views of the entire city on these scenic flights and get insights from the helicopter pilot and crew.
Get a unique view of local landmarks like the Greifenstein Castle ruins and Klosterneuburg Monastery. Pass Castle Kreuzenstein and see Europe’s largest wetlands at the Donau Auen. This is a seriously fun thing to do in Vienna!
47 – One of the few places close by for hiking, trek the 484-meter-tall Kahlenberg Mountain
Kahlenberg Mountain is one of the most popular destinations to visit on a day trip from Vienna. It is located in the densely forested Vienna Woods and is easily reachable from the city by bus or car.
It is a beautiful spot to go hiking and you can get a great view of the entire city and parts of Lower Austria from Stefaniewarte tower at the peak.
48 – Bend your brains at the Sigmund Freud Museum
Sigmund Freud Is one of Vienna’s most famous sons. He created the field of psychoanalysis and his theories have shaped our understanding of the human mind and our behavior.
The Sigmund Freud Museum is located in his former home and office and contains collections and exhibitions related to his life and works. It also contains Europe’s largest Psychoanalytical Research Center and the Sigmund Freud Foundation Research Institute.
49 – Meet the stars at Madame Tussauds Vienna
A trip to Madame Tussauds is always fun. The Vienna branch has waxwork lookalikes of worldwide celebrities and local ones. Where else could you hang out with Empress Sisi and Mozart as well as Freddie Mercury, Angelina Jolie and Audrey Hepburn at the same time?
Travel to a Hollywood party, a Vegas chapel and the picturesque alps and enjoy the guided audio tour experience. A visit to Madame Tussauds is a fun thing to do in Vienna.
50 – Revel in a night of Opera at the Renaissance Revival venue, Wiener Staatsoper
Fancy an evening of culture while you are visiting the city? Vienna State Opera puts on 300 performances a year. The building is home to the Vienna State Orchestra, State Ballet company and hosts the yearly Vienna Opera Ball.
It is a lively venue and its regular audience is not afraid to let the performers know if they are any less than perfect. Cut-price standing-only tickets are offered from eighty minutes before the shows.
51 – Follow in the sounds of Mozart with Classical Music Concerts
Hear the best of Vienna music at the Eschenbach Palace
Vienna is still considered the capital of classical music worldwide. A visit to the Eschenbach Palace is an unforgettable experience for music lovers. Enjoy an evening of Viennese music from Mozart, Schubert and Strauss performed by the Vienna supreme Orchestra.
Take in the beautiful surroundings of the Palace’s Golden Ballroom with its coffered ceiling, baroque decorations and fantastic acoustics. Classical music fans shouldn’t miss this.
Catch a performance at Peterskirche
A version of Peterskirche or St. Peter’s Church has sat on the same spot in Vienna since the 4th century. The current building was completed in 1733 and is one of the most attractive Baroque churches in the city.
The Classic Ensemble Vienna puts on regular concerts in the church performing pieces by Mozart, Vivaldi and Beethoven. To hear this timeless music in such stunning surroundings is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Attend a Johann Strauss and Mozart Concert at Kursalon Palace
Prepare for an evening of Viennese classical music inspired by Mozart, the Austrian composer and conductor Johann Strauss, and a few other notable composers from Vienna.
See as the music and the Viennese Waltz comes alive inside the ornate 19th-century Kursalon Palace, with all its glitz and glamour, taking you back to the Golden Age of Viennese Operetta.
Before heading to the concert, make dinner plans at the palace’s restaurant, serving a menu of modern Austrian dishes and complete dinner courses. Concert tickets can be purchased online.
Russia or Austria? Look up to the striking green dome at Karlskirche
Karlskirche church is one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Vienna and can be found just outside the Innere Stadt. It has an unusual ellipsoid dome that is decorated with magnificent frescos by Johann Michael Rottmayr.
The interior of the church is quite stunning with marble pillars, ornate plasterwork and a dramatic altar to the Apotheosis of Saint Charles Borromeo. The famous Venetian composer Antonio Vivaldi was buried here in 1741 though it’s not certain where.
Make sure to check out the classical music concerts that take place inside, and feel transported to the times of Motzart surrounded by timeless baroque beauty.
Watch a performance of Viennese Music by the Hofburg Orchestra
The Vienna Hofburg Orchestra features at least 40 of the capital’s best musicians, performing “Viennese waltz and operetta music.”
Throughout the summer months, the orchestra holds regular weekly concerts at the Hofburg Palace, performing music by Mozart and Strauss. if you like classical music, why not include it in your calendar?
Visit the Musikverein to see a concert
Vienna’s Musikverein is one of the city’s finest concert halls. It is home to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and is renowned for its outstanding acoustics. The Musikverein’s Great Hall seats 300 and is also known as the “Golden Hall” due to its ornate decorations.
Join the Vienna Philharmonic for an evening of music by Mozart including his concertos, symphonies and operas.
Experience enchanting concerts at St. Anne’s Church
As if the beauty of Iglesia de Santa Ana wasn’t enough, there are classical music concerts at St. Anne’s Church to whisk you away into compositions of mesmerizing melodies.
Founded in 1518 in a Baroque fashion, you’re drawn in by not only the music but the grandiose interiors as well, dripping in gold finishings, painted fresco ceilings and Gothic architectural design.
For centuries, classical music concerts have been held inside, its acoustic and spatial design deeming it the perfect stage. The orchestra, led by a string quartet, pays homage to geniuses like Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn and Schubert.
52 – Grab a coffee in the historic Café Central
Café Central is something of an institution in Vienna and from the late 19th-century became the place to meet local intellectuals. Famous patrons include Peter Altenberg, Sigmund Freud and Leon Trotsky to name but a few.
The Cafe is located in the Palais Ferstel in the upmarket Herrengasse neighborhood and has a classic decoration with a glass ceiling and marble pillars. It serves a variety of sweet treats and traditional Viennese foods.
53 – Take a moment of silence for the lost lives of the Mauthausen Concentration Camp
Eye-opening, compelling, and, in moments, also heart-wrenching, a day trip to the Mauthausen Concentration Camp is an unsurpassable experience.
From 1938 to 1945, under the order of the National Socialist Gauleiter, this harrowing site imprisoned people from across Europe, its first stones laid by deportees (at the time, this was predominantly men from Germany and Austria).
Today, visitors can get a better understanding of how men, women and children lived, or rather, tried to survive, through its museum’s permanent exhibitions: ‘The Crime Scenes of Mauthausen – Searching for Traces,’ ‘The Mauthausen Concentration Camp 1938–1945’ and ‘The “Room of Names”.’
54 – One of the prettiest museums ever: check out MAK Austrian Museum of Applied Arts
MAK focuses on the relationships between art and design and especially architecture and contemporary art. The institution was founded in 1864 and its collection is one of the most important in the world.
Exhibits focus on the Vienna 1900 period, an era of great creativity in the city but also feature works from the middle ages to the current day. MAK DESIGN LAB focuses on the positive effects design can have.
55 – See the Habsburg sarcophagi at the Imperial Crypt of Capuchin Church
The Imperial Crypt at the Capuchin Church is the resting place of 145 members of the Habsburg family who ruled the region from the 15th Century onwards. There are 107 metal sarcophagi in total and five urns containing hearts.
Amongst the remains are 12 Emperors and 18 Empresses. There are some very elaborate and ornate sarcophagi and some much more austere ones. The sarcophagus of Charles VI is particularly grand with crowned skulls and cherub decorations.
56 – Visit an ancient settlement on a Hallstatt day trip
Hallstatt is another popular day trip from Vienna. It is a very small town famed for its picture-perfect scenery. The town has a history that dates back to prehistoric times which centered around the local salt mines.
Take a day trip to Hallstatt and receive a guided tour of the most famous landmarks. Stop en route to visit the birthplace of Mozart’s mother in St. Gilgen and enjoy the lakes of Mondsee and Wolfgang amid the spectacular alpine scenery.
57 – Get a virtual reality tour from an Empress on Sisi’s Amazing Journey
If you’re looking for an unusual yet informative way to learn about the history of Vienna why not take Sisi’s Amazing Journey! Let Empress Sisi take you on a virtual reality boat ride and give you a full tour of the town.
Take a trip through the city sewers, wave to the cheering crowds then visit the torture chambers of Elizabeth Bathory and more. Let Sisi recount humorous stories and take you on a flight over the city. This is a lighthearted look at Vienna and one of its greatest personalities.
58 – Make like Beethoven at the interactive Haus Der Musik
Haus der Musik is a museum of music and sound. It has interactive exhibits that encourage a playful as well as a scientific approach to music. You can hear music as a baby would inside the womb, put your name into a composition and direct your own opera on a virtual stage.
In addition to the exhibits, Haus Der Musik hosts live concerts, talks by artists and a varied program of events. Haus der Musik is a fun place to visit for the whole family.
59 – Try the wiener schnitzel at Wiener Wiaz Haus
Taste the best wiener schnitzel of your life (and more) from the best restaurants
From schnitzel to strudel, and then the city’s modern take on food, here are the best restaurants in Vienna.
Wiener Wiaz Haus first opened in the city in 1898. Authentic as you can get, it’s a popular spot for great schnitzel (the veal wiener is a crowd favorite) and beer in Vienna.
With a focus on fermentation and a seasonal menu, Bruder is awesome! For a full fledge of vegetables as the hero, Tian takes the humble veg and puts it on its contemporary head.
Thell (formerly Motto) is a long-standing spot, and for seafood, head to trendy O boufés bistro.
60 – Visit the ruin of Aggstein Castle
Aggstein Castle is a ruined 12th-Century castle that overlooks the River Danube. It sits on a rocky outcrop perched 300 meters above the river. It has had some notable owners including the Kuenrings, Jörg Scheck von Wald and Anna von Polheim-Parz.
The castle was left to deteriorate from the mid-1600s but in the 1930s efforts were made to preserve it. It is now a popular attraction and visitors can see the escape-proof prison and chapel.
61 – Learn more about non-European cultures at Weltmuseum (ethnographic museum)
The Weltmuseum is a museum of historical artifacts from around the world. Located in a wing of the Imperial Palace it houses hundreds of thousands of items from diverse cultures across Africa, Asia, America and Oceania.
Some of the museum’s most prized artifacts are an Aztec headdress from the early 1600s, a 2000-year-old Vietnamese drum and 14th-century glass lamps from Cairo.
62 – Somersault through the air at FLIP LAB
Whether you’re a trampoline beginner or already a pro, you may want to get your blood pumping at FLIP LAB‘s gym in Millenium City, Vienna. It’s a place for fun and action where you can practice your ninja-backflip skills in safety and with a verified instructor.
Flip Lab has 12 different zones and 2000 square meters of high-flying trampoline fun as well as a spectator lounge and cloakrooms with showers. A visit to Flip Lab could be the fun thing to do in Vienna that you are looking for!
63 – Spend the day kayaking on the Alte Donau
Vienna has miles of waterways in and around the city, why not try kayaking on the Alte Donau? The Alte Donau or Old Danube was a section of the main Danube until the river was diverted in 1870 due to regular flooding.
It now offers a calm place to go kayaking in the city and spot wildlife like geese, swans and ducks. A kayaking tour is a great way to see the changing landscape of the Vienna riverside.
64 – Pretend to be a spy for the day with outdoor escape games
Think you have what it takes to go into the espionage business? Or, perhaps you’ve always thought you’d be a fantastic Inspector Clouseau? Well, these epic outdoor escape rooms are one sure way to find out!
Setting off on a city quest (powered by a smartphone app), you’re given a set of clues and riddles that need solving. Cracking each one involves running around the city, and in between, visiting plenty of landmarks and attractions.
Pick a game centered around the 17th-century Plague, embark on a spy mission, discover all things relating to Freud, Mozart and Beethoven or opt for a classic sightseeing adventure.
65 – Enter the labyrinth and cross high rope gardens at Tigersworld
If you have young children aged six years and over, a visit to the Tigersworld Adventure play park might be just the thing. It has 2000 square meters of equipment to climb, jump and play on.
The park has three Ninja-parkour tracks, a trampoline zone and a 30 square meter jump air-bag. For the brave, there is a 7-meter climbing wall to really test their bouldering skills on. A trip to Tigersworld is a great way to spend the afternoon.
66 – From the early life of Hitler to Nazi atrocities, learn more with World War II tours
Involving nearly every single country across the world, WWII is one of the most historical wars our world has ever experienced, changing much of how global societies once were prior to the event.
Throughout WWII, close to one million Austrians fought for the Nazi German armed forces! And, Austria is, in fact, the birthplace of Adolf Hitler! Uncover in-depth history, information and sightseeing during World War II tours.
Your educated historian leads the way on this private walking tour (some tours also include a visit to the Military Museum). Stops on the itinerary include the likes of the Judenplatz Holocaust Memorial, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg, Heldenplatz and Meldemannstraße 27 (Hitler’s residence).
67 – See a German-language play at the Burgtheater
The Burgtheater is the national theater of Austria and one of the oldest theaters in Europe. It has a distinct style of its own and performs only German-language plays. It is a big part of the culture of the city and was the venue for the premiers of three operas by Mozart and Beethoven’s first symphony.
It is worth a visit to the theater to see the building itself with ceiling murals created by Gustav and Ernst Klimt. Guided tours run daily.
68 – Feel like a city detective with a scavenger game
Looking for a unique way to explore the city? Why not try a scavenger hunt! Use an app to navigate your way around the city. Solve riddles and follow clues to complete challenges and receive the next set of coordinates.
Unlock stories about the places you visit and compete against other teams to get the highest score. This is a really fun thing to do in Vienna especially in a group!
69 – Admire the urban street art on a Street Art Tour
Although Vienna is brimming with classical art, the streets of this beautiful city also have an incredible street art scene not to miss, which you can see and learn more about on a Street Art Tour.
Walk alongside a knowledgeable, local guide as you discover street artwork from Shepard Fairey and ROA, as well as other pieces of work that are both eye-catching, and carry a message that requires no language proficiency.
At the end of your tour, enjoy a local favorite snack – Austrian sausage and beer/wine!
70 – Enjoy sweets fit for an Emperor at The Demel
The Demel is a well-known pastry shop and chocolatier in Vienna that first opened in 1786. It was a popular eatery of the Viennese aristocracy and was a favorite of Emperor Franz Joseph I and the Empress Sisi.
The Demel has some fun traditions that have endured through time. You will always be referred to as sir or madam in the third person by the traditionally dressed waitresses known as Demelinerinnen. Try the famous Sachertorte, a dense chocolate cake with apricot jam, if you really want to indulge yourself.
71 – Feast on pukka Alpine dishes with an Austrian Dinner in local’s home
When you’re traveling to any new city or country, what better way to become acquainted than under the arms of a resident? An authentic Austrian dinner in a local’s home is a sure way to go, where you’ll leave feeling like life-long friends — and with a satisfied belly!
Joining Pia and her husband in their family abode, over the next 2.5 hours, delight in swapping stories, drinking Austrian sparkling wine and indulging in classic Alpine cuisine.
The menu typically consists of dumpling soup for starters, tafelspitz for mains and traditional cake for dessert — ingredients sourced from your host’s brother’s farm.
72 – Eat and shop for bargains at the Naschmarkt
The Naschmarkt is the most popular market in Vienna and is a good place to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, meats and baked items. The market also has a good selection of stalls selling prepared snacks like hotdogs, sandwiches and sushi.
The market has a multicultural selection of foods and you will find traditional Austrian cheeses alongside Korean kimchi and Turkish kebabs. This is an al fresco dining experience not to be missed!
73 – From Dolce & Gabbana to Dior, shop major fashion houses on Kärntner Straße
Kärntner Straße is the city’s most famous shopping street and runs from St. Stephen’s Cathedral to the Vienna State Opera building. The busy main street of the Innere Stadt has imposing 19th-century buildings housing shops, cafes and restaurants. The ornate Donner Fountain is located here.
You will find many luxury high street brands here and it is a nice place to visit in the evening with its small bars and cafe culture. The street oldest building, the Palais Esterházy has a well-known underground restaurant and wine tavern called Esterházykeller.
74 – Can you see The Walking Dead? Join eerie ghosts & legends tours
From a Countess murderer to Nazi antics to medieval executions, in a city as old as Vienna, you best believe it’s experienced its fair share of gruesome, gory and grueling. Deep dive into its darker past with an exciting ghost and legends tour — not for the faint-hearted.
Lured in by an expert on the city’s paranormal side, you’re shown buildings, streets and points of interest doused in ghost tales and stories hard to stomach.
For example, visit Am Hof Square, where public beheadings happened; Schönlatern Alley where the Knights Templar massacre occurred; the Vienna State Opera, where Jews during WWII were expelled; and St. Stephen’s Cathedral to see the mystifying gargoyles.
75 – Experience fine dining at the Michelin star restaurants in Vienna
Dine in comfort as you enjoy some of the award-winning dishes at Eckel, offering a refined version of Viennese country cooking inside a wonderfully cozy and chic restaurant. Located in the 19th district, the restaurant features terrace dining, as well as indoors during the colder months.
Taste the fusion between international cuisines with Austrian classic flavors at Amador, located inside the Hajszan Winery. This modern restaurant sources its ingredients from local producers, and imports only the best quality ingredients from other countries, to serve you the perfect concoctions of cultures on your plate.
Try the Szegediner lobster with cabbage when you dine at the Micheline star Vestibül restaurant, located inside the Burgtheater. Make an evening plan out of it, and check out a show after your memorable meal.
76 – Rejuvenate at a spa with thermal baths, Turkish hammams and more
After a busy day of sightseeing and museum hopping it’s great to unwind at Therme Wien. The city center spa has over 20 naturally heated pools to enjoy as well as saunas, steam rooms and aroma rooms.
It also has a playground for the kids to explore while the adults take time to relax. Afterward, you can take a cozy seat in the fire lounge or visit the library and cinema.
Check out Aux Gazelles Hammam and the Golden Tree Massage for the ultimate wellness experience offering some award-winning deep-tissue massage services and hair and body beauty services.
77 – Play roulette at Wien Casino
Vienna Casino can be found in the grand Palais Esterházy, on Vienna’s glitzy Kärntner Straße near St. Stephen’s Cathedral. It offers an elegant environment to try your luck at a game of roulette. It also has slot machines and tables for blackjack, poker and Macau baccarat.
The casino has a bar and restaurant serving a selection of two and four-course meals in the style of traditional Viennese dishes.
78 – Ever drunk a Weizenbier? Sample the local brew scene with beer tastings
Beer drinking in Austria is the equivalent of eating pasta in Italy. Not just a social habit, in these parts of the world, it’s a lifestyle, ingrained into local culture.
One of Vienna’s most popular types of beer is Weizenbier, otherwise known as wheat beer. Taste the brew first-hand, plus other types of craft beer, with quenching beer tastings around the city.
Tours range from 40 minutes to two hours worth of drinking. Knock back cold crafts in a beer garden, visit local manufacturers, and learn about production processes at local breweries.
79 – Get a taste of Vienna nightlife on a pub crawl
Vienna’s many pubs, bars and clubs are just waiting to be explored. Why not take a guided tour with a knowledgeable local around the best spots in the city.
Mingle with international travelers on a group tour through the city’s most beloved bars and clubs. Get special drinks promotions and play traditional drinking games while you make new friends. A pub crawl is great for solo travelers and groups alike.
80 – Drink up the Viennese city views at the best rooftops
Though the rooftop furnishings at Aurora Rooftop Bar are minimal, they make the spectacular sights of the Vienna skyline the star of the show. Grab your friends, and order yourselves refreshing cocktails to seal the evening in style.
Recline on a lounger with your craft cocktail in hand, and toast to another successful day exploring Vienna at Dachboden at 25hours Hotel. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing early evening or a vibey night of dancing, you’ll find it all here.
Look at the city from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows at Das Loft Bar & Lounge, making it the perfect rooftop to visit during the colder seasons. Turn the heat up, and visit on the weekends when the DJ plays the perfect tracks.
Want to truly feel on top of the world? Visit Vienna’s highest rooftop bar, 57 Restaurant & Lounge featuring the best drink creations from talented mixologists, as the panoramic views show you the city lit up in thousands of lights.
Have authentic Austrian food with a side of Viennese wine or a lovely cocktail at SKY Bar, Cafe, Restaurant. Offering sights of the side of Stephen’s Cathedral, as well as the other historic buildings, you’ll really feel like you’re in Vienna.
81 – Wake up feeling like Cinderella after a night’s sleep in a real palace
Unlike most cities, Vienna has a wealth of extravagant palaces. What better place to stay while visiting the city than in one of these grand buildings. Stay in the heart of the city’s “Golden Quarter” surrounded by decadent historical buildings, world-leading museums and outstanding restaurants.
For a 5 star stay in a Vienna palace, look at The Park Hyatt Hotel, Hotel Bristol and Hotel Imperial all of which have a luxurious and uniquely Viennese style.
82 – Check out the markets, festivals or concerts of Rathaus (town hall)
The Rathaus, or town hall, and its square are still at the center of life in Vienna. This huge Neo-Gothic building is the office of the city’s mayor but also has ballrooms, banqueting halls and a restaurant.
The Square hosts a yearly film festival throughout the summer months and has a whole program of free events. The Rathausplatz is at its most magical in December when the Christmas market fills the square with lights, food stalls, rides and an ice skating rink.
How to get to Vienna?
Prepare your ride to the city center from Vienna’s main airport (Vienna International Airport – Flughafen Wien) by pre-booking your airport transfer in Vienna.
Avoid the hassle of figuring out the public transport, carrying your luggage to bus stops or busy trains, and instead book a private airport transfer to drop you off at your hotel directly, or any other point in the city.
Where to stay in Vienna?
Order room service or dine in the restaurant downstairs surrounded by Art Deco and Baroque interiors when you stay at the hospitable Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof. Relax and rejunviante after tiring sightseeing days when you book a spa experience in the hotel’s incredible 2-floor spa with saunas.
Wake up every morning to the stream of light coming in through your room’s large windows when you stay at Eurostars Embassy. Offering guests a fresh and filling breakfast with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, to enjoy right before heading out to the main sights like Saint Stephen’s Cathedral closeby.
Located on the historic Mariahilfer Straße, a famous shopping street in Vienna is Hotel MOTTO, featuring freshly served breakfast inside their on-site restaurant. Rest up every night inside their fully furnished, elegantly decorated rooms, with city views of the historic district. Don’t worry about the outside noise, as the hotel comes with soundproof windows.
Visiting Vienna on a budget?
Make sure to book a free walking tour in Vienna to get a walk-through of the different sites throughout Vienna. Offering a layout of the city, available in a variety of languages.
Wondering where some of the best walking tours of Vienna are, or how to book one? Check out our guide to the best free walking tours in Vienna.
If your heart is set on visiting some of the city’s major attractions, there are ways to save on ticket prices and entrance fees, as well as discounted rates on specific tours with Vienna Passes. Schönbrunn Palace tours, the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Schönbrunn Zoo are some examples.
Where to go next?
Check off more amazing places to visit in Europe, especially near Vienna, starting with the things to do in Salzburg, offering baroque and medieval architecture, with the outstanding backdrop of the Eastern Alps. Tour the home of Mozart, and take a Sound of Music tour while you’re there.
Looking for outdoor experiences? Head to Innsbruck, “the Olympic City”, and enjoy a diverse range of sports activities – from skiing to rock climbing. Other adventure-fueled things to do in Innsbruck include the Bergisel Ski Jump, rafting and bungee jumping from Europa Bridge.
Prague is only a short plane ride away and features a picturesque Old Town with a mix of Art Nouveau and Cubist architecture, as well as a unique “beer bath” you can’t find anywhere else. Attend a classical concert, performed by some of the best Czech composers and visit castles, and there are plenty of other things to do in Prague that are culturally enriching.
Explore the wonders in Budapest, crossing the Danube River to explore Buda and Pest as well as witness the changing of the guards at the Parliament. Among the fun things to do in Budapest, discover different areas and their street art on a street art tour
Book a multi-day trip from Vienna to keep exploring a bit more outside the city center to iconic must-see places including climbing the “Sky Ladder” – Salzkammergut.
Final thoughts
With its ongoing list of things to do in Vienna, like witnessing a Viennese Waltz in a 19th- century palace, to visiting the world’s oldest and continuous zoo, visiting Vienna is just like taking a bite out of a decadent slice of Viennese Sachetorte (chocolate cake) – spectacular and satisfying to the senses.
Safe travels to the “City of Dreams” – Vienna!